We tend not to slavishly prepare each piece in full; but sections are chosen from the following works that allow members to have a bit of fun going through some pieces and developing the confidence and technique to play as a group. The result can be very satisfying.
Occasionally we have study days in which we attempt to cover a whole work, such as Shostakovich’s 8th quartet (at the Annual Residential Course, 2011) or Handel’s Concerto No 6 Op 6 (at the Summer Study Day, 2011).
Some rehearsals are divided into sectionals – groups with tutors focusing on techniques needed in the music we are playing.
First Violins - sectional rehearsal November 2011
Current Music
During the autumn term 2011 we played movements from:
Vaughan Williams: Five Variants on ‘Dives and Lazarus’
Britten: Simple Symphony Op. 4, which has four movements:
- I. Boisterous Bourrée
- II. Playful Pizzicato
- III. Sentimental Sarabande
- IV. Frolicsome Finale
Stanford: Beati Quorum Via (arranged for string orcheestra)
Bartok: Roumanian Dances
Vivaldi: Concerto in A minor
Bizet: Agnus Dei from L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2
Piazzolla: Melodia en La menor
And in between the music there are the jokes ….. these are from MIT, Boston
Beginner’s Group
The beginners’ group meets separately for the first half of the rehearsal period, before the coffee break.
Picasso: Violin and Grapes
